Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1887-02-17

your CHOICE
Now. Arthur, / have a confession to
make, and perhaps you will respect and
love me less
Then she related what the reader
already knows. 1t did not seem to
change his sentiments, but to amuse
him very much.
And what will you tell Gus to:mOr-
row evening, Bessie p
Il shall tell him plainly how 1 arriv'
ed at my decision, and it may help him
in future to be courteous 80 ALL
After pleasant evening discussing
their future. Arthur said good night
and went hone with happy heart.
The next evening Gus presented him.
self in an unexceptionable toilet, and
the air of favored suitor. Bessie hes
itated moment in the doorway. Gus
Immediately crossed the room to her
eide, attempted to put his arms around
her and lead her TO the sofa. Bes-
sic put out her hands in protest and
quietly slipped into her willow rocker
and motioned Gus to a seat opposite.
He obeyed without a word, looking
rather crest fallen.
Gus, have little story to tell you.
Four weeks ago last evening Arthur
Mercer asked me to he his wife. l
was somewhat surprised, having
thought oe him only as pleasant &C
quaintance asked him to give me
time to decide. Tie. kindly con senteG.
The next evening you proposed and
was treated in the same manner. |
had no thought of you In the character
of lover any more than Arthur.
did not understand my own heart
we'll enough to accept either of you at
the time, yet was rather more favor.
ably inclined toward you. determin-
ed to find out, if possible, which would
make the most agreeable companion
for life. Mrs. Mercer had told me the
week before that her girl intended to
leave while was trying to think of
some plan by which to accomplish my
purpose, as if it had been an inspira'
ton, the thought came, why not obtain
the position in Mrs. Ms family and
find out what could of Arthur's home
life ? | went Immediately to Mrs. Mer-
cel's, offered my services, was accept
ed and began my duties next morning.
| found them very courteous family.
The sincerest affection was manifested
by each one toward the others. Sell
lishness could find no abiding place
there. l studied Arthur's character
every time an opportunity presented
itself.
saw he was a kind, affectionate son
and brother, who thought of the COM
fort of every one else (even the hired
girll before self.
He treated me as respectfully as he
did his mothers guests. l could not
help admiring and respecting him, and
yet your pleasant face was often before
me-
Gus had grown restless during the
story, but during her last sentence his
face had frightened, and he Interrupt
ted her with, Bessie, is it fair to give
one chance to display his amiable
disposition and not the other p
No, indeed, but am not through.
Fortune was very kind 10 me. l heard
your mother needed seamstresS. The
littleQuakeress you despised and would
not ride to town with, was none other
than the elegant Bessie you so much
wished to present to your friends.
1t is needless for me to repeat the
many other incidents of that week,
which convinced me that you cared
more for your own ease and pleasure,
than for the comfort or happiness of
those you should love best on earth,
and l decided it would be safer to
trust my life's happiness to Arthur. L
hold every woman should be treated
like lady so long as her conduct war;
rants such treatment, whether she be
rich or poor, homely or handsome.
forgot all about your pleasant gall
lantry when I saw how utterly selfish
you were in your home.
The dear home friends should receive
kindress and polite attentions as we'll
as honored guests. | feared the time
would come when you would care as
little for my pleasure as you seemed to
for your father and mother.
And then how my heart would ache
to see you so polite and attentive to
visitors, while l would be totally neg
lected.
believe Arthur will ever be the same
kind courteous gentleman to every one.
no matter what their position in life.
Last night l promised to be his wife.
He has his answer you have yours.
Forgive me Gus,if have seemed harsh
or unkind.'
When Bessie finished Gus lifted his
face out of which all hope had vanished.
You are right, Bessie you have chosen
u,solv No one is to blame but N.Y.